New Plans for Bama Bayou in Orange Beach AL

Posted by Rachel Kelly on Wednesday, October 3rd, 2018 at 2:12pm.

bama-bayou-orange-beach

Things are finally looking up for Bama Bayou, the site of a proposed entertainment center and dolphin exhibit that went bankrupt in 2009. After meeting with the Orange Beach City Council, Texas-based developer, Presidium, has announced a master plan to completely transform the deserted development into a bustling resort and mixed-use entertainment complex. This is great news for the city as the 147-acre property covered in unfinished dilapidated buildings has remained an eyesore for almost a decade. Bama Bayou sits at the "entrance to Orange Beach" right beside the Beach Express toll bridge along the Intracoastal Canal. The City has settled on an agreement giving the greenlight for the $300 million project along with major tax incentives to the developer. 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Plans for Bama Bayou include Gulf World Marine Park, multiple hotel developments, a resort village filled with restaurants and shops, convention center, marina, nature trails, and will boast one of the top waterparks in the United States. Some of Bama Bayou's most talked about attractions include Gulf World Marine Park which will feature an aquarium and 1,200-seat stadium for dolphin and sea lion shows, a tropical snorkel lagoon spanning two-acres, and a large waterpark offering speed slides, a winding lazy river, and the biggest wave pool in Alabama. Bama Bayou Resort, Marina Village Resort, and Gulf World's Paradise Resort will accommodate guests staying at Bama Bayou and offer amenities such as outdoor pools, fitness centers, spas, meeting facilities, and shuttles. Bama Bayou is set to undergo several phases of construction with the creation of the waterpark and Gulf World Marine Park as the initial phase. The project could start early next year, and if planned accordingly, the park will open its doors to the public by summer of 2020. 

Offering plenty of dining options, retail shops, edutainment, and entertainment, Bayou Bayou will be a must-see attraction for both vacationers and locals. Located just off the Foley Beach Express, it will be an easy stop for tourists as they make their way down to vacation at Orange Beach condos and Gulf Shores condos. Bama Bayou will be a top contender among other local attractions including newly-built OWA amusement park, Waterville, and The Wharf entertainment district, and Gulf State Park.  

Proposed plans for the Bama Bayou include the following:

  • Bama Bayou Resort & Convention Center
  • The Marina Village & Amphitheater
  • Marine Village Resort 
  • Gulf World Marine Park
  • Gulf World's Paradise Resort
  • Scenic Wetlands of the Gulf Coast
  • Orange Beach Wildlife Rehabilitation Exhibit 
  • Bama Bayou Snorkel Lagoon
  • Bama Beach Water Park 


 

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